The career of the comet was ever a mystery which neither Servadac nor his orderly could eliminate from the regions of doubt. Anyhow, they were firmer and more confiding friends than ever.

One day, in the environs of Montmartre, where they were secure from eavesdroppers, Ben Zoof incidentally referred to the experiences in the depths of Nina's Hive; but stopped short and said, "However, those things never happened, sir, did they?"

His master could only reply, "Confound it, Ben Zoof! What is a man to believe?"

by Valentine Williams (pseud. Douglas Valentine)

II. CAPTAIN STRANGWISE ENTERTAINS A GUEST

III. MR. MACKWAYTE MEETS AN OLD FRIEND

IV. MAJOR OKEWOOD ENCOUNTERS A NEW TYPE

V. THE MURDER AT SEVEN KINGS